Local officials, donors and anti-hunger advocates joined the Food Bank of Delaware, campaign chairman Mike Castle and Senator Tom Carper for the official groundbreaking of the organization’s $2.6 million expansion project outside the current Milford facility.
The 8,000-square-foot expansion project, scheduled to be completed in August 2013, calls for the construction of a full-sized industrial kitchen to house The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware and a volunteer room to house volunteer activities and increase hunger-relief programming in Kent and Sussex Counties.
“Even in the best of times, there are individuals and families who are in need and turn to the food bank’s network for help,” said former congressman and capital campaign committee chair Mike Castle. “In tighter economic times such as now those needs increases. The expansion of the Milford Branch will help the southern part of our state meet that need and will provide valuable employee training for individuals. We extend our thanks to all who have made this expansion a reality and to all who provide volunteer help to the Food Bank of Delaware.”
Since The Culinary School started in 2002, more than 265 students have graduated. The Culinary School at the Milford Branch will allow the organization to train 45 students each year for entry-level employment in the food service industry.
To date the Food Bank of Delaware has raised $1.6 million of the needed $2.6 million. The organization hopes to raise the remaining million during construction. “We are so thankful for those who have recognized that hunger is a critical issue in our state,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “Delawareans in Kent and Sussex Counties are depending on us to deliver these much needed services and we cannot do it without the support of the community.
For more information or to donate to the capital campaign, please contact Larry Haas, Development Director, at (302) 294-0185 or lhaas@fbd.org or visit www.fbdfeedingourfuture.org.
